GUE/NGL condemns in the strongest possible terms last weekend's indiscriminate attacks in Istanbul that killed at least 44 people. We express our sincere condolences and support to the families of the victims.

We hope that those responsible are brought to justice but call on Turkish authorities not to use the attacks as an excuse to further its repression of Kurds, in particular the ongoing crackdown on members of the HDP opposition party, mayors and lawyers.

GUE/NGL calls on the immediate release of the 250 persons unjustly imprisoned since the attacks by the Turkish government.

These events show that only a return to the peace process, respect for democratic rights of minorities, the rule of law and a political solution to the Kurdish question will bring lasting peace for everyone in Turkey.